Downton star helps raises $400,000 for National Trust for Scotland

ALL things Scottish were celebrated on the other side of the pond as the National Trust for Scotland Foundation USA gathered for the ninth consecutive Celebration of Scotland's Treasures.

Kevin McNally and Phyllis Logan. Picture: Matt Gillis


The sold-out event, which took place in New York, raised over $400,000 to support the work of the National Trust for Scotland.

Phyllis Logan, best known for her role as Mrs Hughes on Downton Abbey was honoured with the Great Scot Award. 
The actress was presented with the award by Rebecca Eaton, executive producer of PBS’ Masterpiece and remarked how delighted she was to discover that so many Americans were concerned with the preservation of Scottish heritage.

NTS USA Foundation Chair Helen Sayles presents Phyllis Logan with the Great Scot Award. Picture: Matt Gillis

Logan who has previously featured in A Touch of Frost and Lovejoy, played Mrs. Hughes, the housekeeper, in all six seasons of Downton Abbey. She follows a long line of talented Scots recognised at the event with previous winners including Billy Connolly, Alan Cumming and Alexander McCall Smith.

In true Scottish style, attendees were treated to traditional Celtic music performed by Scottish vocalist Maureen McMullan & Friends, a cèilidh and singalong to Robert Burns’ Auld Lang Syne.

Since 2000 the Foundation has made grants of $7 million with the money going towards supporting the conservation of the natural, built, and cultural treasures cared for by the National Trust for Scotland.

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